Lindane Effects on Carrion Insects. A Forensic Entomotoxicological Appraisal Using Euthanized Rabbits

Scientific Study from the year 2023 in the subject Biology - Micro- and Molecular Biology, grade: A, University of Ibadan, language: English, abstract: This thesis wants to develop an understanding of the effects of Gammalin-20 on forensically relevant insect species found on poisoned rabbit carrion, and their changes in abundance, rate of development, and succession order.

In a study conducted at the University of Ibadan, the entomotoxicological appraisal of carrion insects found on rabbits poisoned with Gammalin-20 was carried out. Two rabbits were used as surrogate human models, with one euthanized with Gammalin-20 and the other serving as a control. The flies and larvae found on the carcasses were collected and stored in alcohol. It was found that Calliphoridae were the most dominant carrion insects, while Sarcophagidae were less dominant. The control group had a greater diversity and species composition of carrion insects compared to the Gammalin-20 poisoned rabbits. Growth indicators like length and weight of the larvae were also comparatively higher in the control group. Temperature and humidity measurements were also conducted. The effects of the poison on the developmental and succession patterns of the insects were also examined.